Steelers front office praised by national outlet for savvy offseason move
It's no secret the Pittsburgh Steelers made several critical moves this offseason. From drafting a first-round quarterback in Kenny Pickett to securing their rising wide receiver in Diontae Johnson, they've kept themselves busy. But it's a one-year contract that's getting them "Top 5" caliber recognition in August. Yes, I'm talking about defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. […]
It's no secret the Pittsburgh Steelers made several critical moves this offseason. From drafting a first-round quarterback in Kenny Pickett to securing their rising wide receiver in Diontae Johnson, they've kept themselves busy.
But it's a one-year contract that's getting them "Top 5" caliber recognition in August. Yes, I'm talking about defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. The Steelers inked him to a one-year contract for $8 million and odds are it will pay off.
In fact, Kevin Prata – writer for NFL.com – put together a ranking of the eleven one-year contracts around the league that will pay off.
Now granted, the list is based on the player's perspective. As Prata describes it, the article ranks "players on one-year deals with new teams who are in the best situation to stand out in 2022 — and potentially cash in come 2023."
But these are win-win situations. If Ogunjobi balls out and cashes in in 2023, all that matters for the Steelers is that he performed for their team!
Ogunjobi's deal with Pittsburgh is ranked as the fourth-best one-year deal in the NFL (among players in new teams). Here's Prata's explanation of the defensive tackle's spot on the list:
"Remember, Ogunjobi agreed to a three-year, $40.5 million contract with Chicago this offseason before a failed physical negated the pact. So, teams around the league clearly value the people-mover. The Steelers stepped in a few months later and scooped up Ogunjobi on a one-year deal. He landed in a great spot in Pittsburgh to prove he can still make splash plays before hitting the market again next offseason. The Steelers desperately needed help along the line after Stephon Tuitt's retirement. If Ogunjobi proves the injury issue wasn't a big deal, he'll get paid next year."
It's clear that how we look at the former Bengal's deal a year from now is likely to hinge on his health status. A healthy Larry Ogunjobi – at least to one NFL team – was worth a $40.5 million contract. That's a hefty discount for the Steelers.
Fresh off a seven-sack season, Ogunjobi can do big things for an already talented Pittsburgh defense. It's all about remaining healthy throughout the season.
You can check out the full rankings here.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
